Transvaal (ZAR) stamps

[lourensw 10]

Can anyone help with info on transvaal (zar) stamps, what to look out for to distinguish between the real stamp and a forgery. Do you know about any good books or websites that can help on the topic. Any input or pointers will be appreciated. Thanks

[BumbleBee 10]

I've been meaning to start a topic like this for a while. I have just come into possession of a few of these stamps and would also appreciate any help in identifying them.

[librashares 10]

Transvaal has been a popular collecting area both locally and overseas ever since the Boer War. A good start is to obtain a copy of "Transvaal Philately" by Maj. Ian B Matthews, with KA Bakker, Jbowden, D Crocker, DrG Jonkers, J Kaupe, P vanZyl and M Wigmore. (published in 1986). Copies turn up on auction reasonably frequently and I have seen them sell for between R250 and R450.

The Transvaal Study Circle, though based in the UK, has a South African Chapter which meets about twice annually. Membership costs R150 per year, which includes the Transvaal Philatelist, the societies' Quarterly publication .The more dedicated enthusiasts can obtain back copies of the Tranvaal Philatelist, which contain a wealth of detail and new research and discoveries. The Hon Secretary and treasurer is Jeff Woolgar. Bidorbuy rules state that no contact details may be given in this forum, but the information is published regularly under "Specialist Societies" and Journal References, in most editions of the "South African Philatelist" since 2006. At most stamp fairs there will usually be at least one dealer who will gladly provide contact details of a committee member.

Edited July 3, 2011 by librashares
Correction of spelling and society name.

[lourensw 10]

Hi, thanks for the info!!! Appreciated, I will be searching for this book. thanks

[morganfarrell 10]

Bumblebee -

I am new on this forum and just scanning the old posts.

 

I used to belong to the Transvaal Study Circle. There are some old articles that describe a perforation scheme that helps in the identification of these stamps (genuine/reprint). It's not the measurement of the perfs, which are all the same, but an identification of the perforator machine type that assists. The articles come with pictures of examples. Except for the standard verbal description of what a reprint looks like from the genuine, I think this perforation scheme is the only way to be sure. Personally, I have never mastered it.

If you only have a few stamps to ID, I'd suggest getting someone's opinion who is knowledgeable. If they are used, the postmark will help. Be advised though that the postmarks were also forged. If you want to study these stamps or if you have a lot of them, I'd suggest getting these articles. Try writing to the study group. If you don't get anywhere, let me know and I'll see what I can find.

Hope this might help.

-Morgan